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( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) PingCAP recognized as technology Partner of the Year (GCR) and Marketplace Partner of the Year (GCR) for helping customers accelerate innovation LAS VEGAS, Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PingCAP , the developer of the distributed SQL database solution TiDB, is excited to announce it is a recipient of two 2024 Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards, recognizing leaders around the globe that are playing key roles in helping their customers drive innovation and build solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS). PingCAP has been named the winner of Technology Partner of the Year (GCR) and Marketplace Partner of the Year (GCR). These awards recognize top AWS Technology Partners that are using AWS to lower costs, increase agility, and innovate faster as well as top AWS Marketplace Partners with significant AWS Marketplace transactions. Announced during the Partner Awards Gala at AWS re:Invent 2024, the Geographic and Global AWS Partner Awards recognize AWS Partners that have embraced specialization, innovation and cooperation over the past year, and whose business models continue to evolve and thrive on AWS. TiDB is an open-source, MySQL-compatible distributed SQL database for building petabyte-grade clusters while managing millions of tables, concurrent connections, frequent schema changes, and zero-downtime scaling. Additionally, its ability to handle transactional and analytical workloads in a single system while delivering the utmost in performance make it the ideal choice for demanding real-time applications. PingCAP's hosted product, TiDB Cloud , available on AWS , combines TiDB's speed, scalability and reliability with the convenience and business continuity of a first-class managed platform. “This recognition by AWS further showcases our commitment to providing customers with innovative solutions as they embark on their cloud journeys,” said Max Liu, Co-Founder and CEO at PingCAP.“TiDB on AWS empowers modern organizations with a flexible, high-performing database solution that supports their data initiatives and growth.” PingCAP was named a winner in the following two categories: For the third consecutive year, the Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards included a self-nomination process across several award categories, awarded at both the geographic and global level. All AWS Partners were invited to participate and submit a nomination. Award submissions were reviewed by a third-party, Canalys, and selected with special emphasis placed on customer success use cases. In addition, there were several data-driven award categories, which were evaluated by a unique set of metrics that helped measure AWS Partners' performance over the past year. Canalys audited the datasets used to ensure that all measurements and calculations were objective and accurate. Finalists represented the top three ranked AWS Partners across each category. The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global program focused on helping partners innovate, accelerate their journey to the cloud and take full advantage of the breadth and depth of AWS. About PingCAP PingCAP is the creator of TiDB, the most advanced open source, distributed SQL database. TiDB powers modern applications with a streamlined tech stack, elastic scaling, real-time analytics, and continuous access to data-all in a single database. With these advanced capabilities, growing businesses can focus on the future instead of complex data infrastructure management. Some of the world's largest companies across SaaS, financial services, e-commerce, and gaming trust TiDB to handle their business-critical workloads. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, PingCAP is backed by Sequoia Capital, GGV Capital, Access Technology Ventures, Coatue Management and others. For more information, please visit pingcap.com . Media Contact Brianna Bruinsma Firebrand Communications for PingCAP ...eting 415 848 9175 MENAFN02122024004107003653ID1108948909 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Trump's threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for relief DETROIT (AP) — If Donald Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists and industry officials say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea and an additional 10% tax on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday threatening tariffs on his first day in office could be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. Trump’s latest tariff plan aims at multiple countries. What does it mean for the US? WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has identified what he sees as an all-purpose fix for what ails America: Slap huge new tariffs on foreign goods entering the United States. On Monday, Trump sent shockwaves across the nation’s northern and southern borders, vowing sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, as well as China, as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. Trump said he will impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. Federal Reserve officials signal cautious path for rate cuts amid still-high inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — With inflation still elevated, Federal Reserve officials expressed caution at their last meeting about cutting interest rates too quickly, adding to uncertainty about their next moves. Even if inflation continued declining to the Fed’s 2% target, officials said, “it would likely be appropriate to move gradually” in lowering rates, according to minutes of the November 6-7 meeting. The minutes don’t specifically provide much guidance about what the Fed will do at its next meeting in December. Wall Street investors see the odds of another quarter-point reduction in the Fed’s key rate at that meeting as nearly even, according to CME Fedwatch. Canadian officials blast Trump's tariff threat and one calls Mexico comparison an insult TORONTO (AP) — Canadian officials are blasting President-elect Donald’s Trump’s threat to impose sweeping tariffs. The leader of Canada's most populous province on Tuesday called Trump’s comparison of Canada to Mexico “the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard.” Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico and China as soon as he takes office in January as part of efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Canadians say their economy and the U.S. one are deeply intertwined and Americans would feel tariffs, too. Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The proposal, which would not be finalized until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, could cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. It would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some people have labeled them miracle drugs. Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision. It’s almost time for Spotify Wrapped. When can you expect your 2024 recap? NEW YORK (AP) — It’s almost that time of year. Spotify is gearing up to release its annual Spotify Wrapped, a personalized recap of its users' listening habits and year in audio. The streaming service has been sharing these personalized analyses with since 2016. And each year, it’s become a bigger production than the last. Spotify claimed its 2023 Wrapped was the “biggest ever created” in terms of audience reach and the kind of data it provided to users. But information on Wrapped's 2024 release has been kept under ... er, wraps. In previous years, it’s been released after Thanksgiving, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6. Thanksgiving travel is cranking up. Will the weather cooperate? The Thanksgiving travel rush is picking up, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be much busier than the last couple days. A lot of travelers will be watching weather forecasts to see if rain or snow could slow them down. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 2.8 million people on Tuesday and 2.9 million on Wednesday after handling more than 2.5 million people on Monday. So far, relatively few flights have been canceled this week, but there have been thousands of delayed flights every day. That is becoming normal for U.S. airlines. Federal agency raises the size of most single-family loans the government can guarantee to $806,500 The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices. Beginning next year, mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be able to acquire loans of up to $806,500 on single-family homes in most of the country, the agency said Tuesday. The new conforming loan limit is a 5.2% increase from its 2024 level. FHFA oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which buy home loans from banks and other lenders. FHFA adjusts the loan limits annually to reflect changes in U.S. home values, which have been rising this year despite a national home sales slump. Stock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talk NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% to reach another all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3% to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.6% as Big Tech stocks helped lead the way. Stock markets abroad saw mostly modest losses after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office. U.S. automakers and other companies that could be hurt particularly by such tariffs fell.Group empowers Osun secondary school students with IT skills
Virtual reality (VR) primarily has applications around training across the oil and gas value chain, i.e., from rigs and pipelines to refineries. Industry leaders such as Shell, and ExxonMobil are using VR simulations to train their employees in critical operations. This provides a highly safe and cost-efficient approach to introduce personnel to a new facility in both offshore and onshore terrains, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report, “Virtual Reality in Oil and Gas,” presents an overview of the adoption of VR in the oil and gas industry. The applications of VR technology in the oil and gas industry includes generating training modules for the workforce and visualizing the asset under consideration for planning and decision making. Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “VR enhances the operational safety through immersive training programs. It can help develop safety procedures at production facilities to address smaller accidents as well as for emergency response.” Leading oil and gas companies such as Shell, BP, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, have adopted VR to train as well as aid regular workflows in operations. It offers a cost-effective means to acclimatize the workforce to various environments through immersive training programs. It also offers safe environment for the workforce to understand the workflows by participating in virtual walk-throughs, without being in proximity of heavy industrial equipment. Puranik continues: “Industry technicians work in hazardous environments, such as offshore rigs or at a densely packed equipment maze in a refinery. VR can be used to relay important information and instructions to the technician onsite, without the need to fly out experts to that location or carrying detailed instruction manuals for referencing.” VR plays a key role in the digital twin set up, helping companies recreate scenarios through detailed simulations. During planning and development, the collaborating teams can share information using VR to simulate various scenarios. It is useful in optimizing equipment performance and maximizing the asset life. Digital twins help to design workflows and identify bottlenecks to optimize a plant’s performance. Twins also help to create a 3D visualization of the seismic data using VR simulations. Puranik concludes: “Various aspects of a production platform can be modeled through VR simulations to enhance the understanding of personnel for on-field tasks. They can simulate the processes using VR before implementing on the operational floor. It thus reduces the scope for human errors during critical operations. Besides, designers and engineers can better visualize the layout under development using VR technology. This can potentially help to improve designs, and carefully plan its execution to optimize the project costs.” Source: Global Data
Unmanned Marine Vehicles Market to Exhibit a Remarkable CAGR of 13.6% by 2028, Size, Share, Trends, Key Drivers, Demand, Opportunity Analysis and Competitive OutlookAmbient Scientific unveils first ever AI module powered by a coin cell battery
Tim Cook says Apple ‘never talked about’ charging for AI, here’s why
Family-Owned Dickey's Barbecue Pit Franchise Prioritizes Community, Quality, and Collaboration Hannah Davis, Seth Davis, Tim Davis and Sue Davis in front of the North Branch A family that barbecues together "Our family dynamic is the foundation of our success,” said Tim Davis, franchisee. "Everyone brings their strengths to the table, and together we're building something we're incredibly proud of-not just for us, but for our community.” Tim and Sue Davis purchased the North Branch location after seeing it as the perfect opportunity to combine their entrepreneurial spirit with a love for great barbecue. With a background that includes real estate franchises and other business ventures, Tim saw something unique in Dickey's. "The decision to join Dickey's wasn't just about the product-it was about the people,” said Tim. "The Dickey's corporate team provided unwavering support throughout the process, from training to daily operations. That personal touch made all the difference.” The Davis family has made their Dickey's location a testament to collaboration and teamwork. Sue Davis, a school principal, also contributes by helping with catering deliveries and providing strategic input. Together, the Davis family is creating a legacy of quality barbecue and community involvement. Like any business, the journey hasn't been without challenges. From navigating equipment repairs to managing labor costs, the Davis family has tackled each hurdle with determination and support from the Dickey's team. "You learn quickly that financial discipline and adaptability are key,” said Tim. "Dickey's provides the resources and guidance we need to overcome obstacles and continue growing.” The Dickey's system has been instrumental in helping the Davis family succeed. "Dickey's commitment to quality and tradition is what sets the brand apart,” said Tim. "From the smoking process to the customer service, everything is designed to ensure an excellent experience.” Roland Dickey, Jr. , CEO of Dickey's Capital Group , praised the family's efforts. "The Davis family embodies the spirit of Dickey's-hardworking, innovative, and community-focused,” he said. "Their ability to create a welcoming environment while staying true to our brand's values is exactly what makes our franchisees so successful.” For the Davis family, their Dickey's isn't just a restaurant-it's a gathering place for the North Branch community. They've prioritized building relationships with their neighbors and supporting local events, making Dickey's a true community hub. "We're here to serve more than just barbecue-we're here to serve people,” said Hannah Davis. "Our goal is to create memories and make every guest feel like part of the family.” Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., highlighted the family's impact. "The Davis family represents what makes Dickey's so special,” she said. "They've seamlessly blended entrepreneurial vision with the heart of a family business, creating an experience that resonates with their guests and their community.” As the Davis family continues to grow their business, they remain committed to upholding Dickey's values of quality, community, and tradition. "Our journey with Dickey's is about more than just business,” said Tim. "It's about creating a legacy for our family and a gathering place for our community. With the support of Dickey's, we're excited for what the future holds.” About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts-because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Hannah Davis, Seth Davis, Tim Davis and Sue Davis in front of the North Branch CONTACT: Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit [email protected]
Ambient Scientific unveils first ever AI module powered by a coin cell batteryIsrael cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldier and wounds 18 as Hezbollah fires rockets at Israel BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center has killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. The Hezbollah militant group meanwhile fired around 160 rockets and other projectiles into northern and central Israel on Sunday, wounding at least five people. Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines. The Israeli military expressed regret over the strike, saying it occurred in an area of ongoing combat operations against Hezbollah. It said it does not target the Lebanese armed forces and that the strike is under review. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. After Trump's Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles WASHINGTON (AP) — During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump had hailed what would become Project 2025 as a conservative roadmap for “exactly what our movement will do." Trump pulled an about-face when Project 2025 became a political liability. He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans, even though some were written by his former aides and many allies. Now, after winning the 2024 election, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the effort he temporarily shunned. Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain this weekend while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Saturday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia also began the weekend with heavy precipitation. Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital. The government and Interior Ministry made the announcement on X, which is banned in Pakistan. Sunday's protest is to demand Khan's release. He has been in prison for more than a year but remains popular. His supporters rely heavily on social media and messaging apps to coordinate with each other. Pakistan has already sealed off Islamabad and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with Khan's power bases. Here's what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talks BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. But it’s a far-from-perfect arrangement, with many parties still unsatisfied but hopeful that the deal will be a step in the right direction. Japan holds Sado mines memorial despite South Korean boycott amid lingering historical tensions SADO, Japan (AP) — Japan has held a memorial ceremony near the Sado Island Gold Mines despite a last-minute boycott of the event by South Korea that highlighted tensions between the neighbors over the brutal wartime use of Korean laborers. South Korea’s absence at Sunday’s memorial, to which Seoul government officials and Korean victims’ families were invited, is a major setback in the rapidly improving ties between the countries. The Sado mines were listed in July as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after Japan moved past years of disputes with South Korea and reluctantly acknowledged the mines’ dark history. Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83 NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. He teamed up with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and became a full supporter Donald Trump.OTTAWA, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Canada's government on Monday proposed C$1.3 billion ($913.05 million) for border security after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened tariffs unless Canada reduced the movement of migrants and drugs into the United States. The border funding proposal was part of the mini-budget, or fall economic statement unveiled on Monday. Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on all exports to the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. The money would go towards Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Communications Security Establishment, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police," the statement said. The statement said the government intended to introduce legislative amendments to the Customs Act to grant Canada Border Services new authorities to inspect goods destined for export. U.S. border patrol apprehended more than 23,000 migrants near the Canada-U.S. border in the 12 months ending in October - more than double the previous year. That remains a fraction of the 1.5 million apprehended near the U.S.-Mexico border in that time period. Canadian police say they have installed more cameras and sensors over this section of the border over the last four years. Ottawa has previously promised to deploy more officers and technology targeting southbound border-crossers, though Canadian law enforcement officials acknowledge they are limited in what they can do to stop southbound migrants. Last week the province of Alberta announced a border patrol of its own, although very few migrants have crossed there. ($1 = 1.4238 Canadian dollars) Sign up here. Reporting by Promit Mukherjee; Writing by Caroline Stauffer and Anna Mehler Paperny, editing by Deepa Babington Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
HE the President of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Eng Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Meer has affirmed that commemorating the anniversary of founding the modern State of Qatar by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, holds immense national and historical significance for Qatari people. It is an occasion to reflect on the country's journey and achievements while striving to fulfill its future vision under its wise leadership. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of National Day, he highlighted that this day carries deep significance, as it symbolises the strong bond of Qataris with their history, identity, and national unity. He expressed his pride in Qatari identity, commitment to national cohesion, and adherence to the values and principles established by the founding leader. He emphasised that National Day is both a celebration of a rich heritage and a recognition of the remarkable progress Qatar has made across all fields. These include social, economic, industrial, health, educational, and technological development. It is also a moment to reaffirm commitment to advancing the nation's infrastructure to the highest standards, ensuring prosperity of its citizens, stability of homeland, and sustainability of its growth and progress. Eng al-Meer stated that the leaders of this beloved country have worked diligently to preserve the historical achievements and follow the path of the founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani. By upholding core values, strengthening national unity, fostering development, and safeguarding sovereignty and independence, Qatar has solidified its status as a modern, progressive nation with strong roots and visionary leadership. He further pointed out continuous growth, prosperity, and elevated standing Qatar enjoys among nations. The country has made significant strides in its journey toward becoming one of the world's leading nations, achieving major accomplishments both domestically and internationally. He also stated that Ashghal has made significant achievements in infrastructure, building projects, and maintenance for the 2023-2024 period, maintaining steady progress to meet its desired objectives. The expressway network now spans over 954km, while cycling and pedestrian pathways have been expanded to a total length of about 1,327km. Additionally, green spaces and landscaping areas now cover over 9.2mn sq m, with 223,000sq m added during 2023-2024. He emphasised the Authority's strong commitment to developing road and infrastructure projects for both new and existing citizens' plots. By the end of 2023, over 250km of roads and 250km of pedestrian and cycling pathways were completed. The sewage network was extended by an additional 500km, with infrastructure services delivered to 480 plots in new areas and 2,100 plots in existing ones. HE al-Meer explained that Ashghal is focusing on enhancing sustainability and recycling initiatives as a key goal to achieve Sustainable Development Goals outlined in Qatar's National Vision 2030. This includes striking a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. Key initiatives include recycling asphalt materials, using treated wastewater for cooling systems, irrigating green spaces, and growing fodder, along with using recycled tire rubber in asphalt mixes and recycling construction and demolition waste. The recycling rate achieved in these efforts has surpassed 50%. He emphasized Ashghal's dedication to adopting the latest strategies in project delivery, applying global best practices, and improving services to enhance customer satisfaction, all while ensuring sustainability and quality of the country's infrastructure projects. As part of its digital transformation, Eng. Al Meer highlighted that Ashghal organized the first-ever Building Technology and Services Exhibition, ConteQ Expo 2024, held from September 16-18. This event, in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Labor, showcased cutting-edge technologies in construction and services, marking a major step in Qatar's digital and technological transformation. He also noted that Ashghal is boosting efficiency and safety through digital innovations such as digital twins, sensors, and drones, as well as converting its administrative building into a smart building. These initiatives aim to reduce dependence on unskilled labor, replacing it with advanced technology to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety across various projects. Related Story 'Celestyal Journey' calls on Doha Port to a grand welcome QNL explores strategies to support language development among childrenShare Tweet Share Share Email In the fiercely competitive and fast-evolving world of AI video generation, the recent progress of SORA and Veo2 has been remarkable, drawing significant attention and setting high standards. Meanwhile, KLING AI, which has made waves since its launch a few months ago, is stepping up with its new 1.6 model, poised to redefine the possibilities of video synthesis and provide users with a more seamless and engaging creative experience . With this update, KLING AI have significantly improved the response to prompt, the visual aesthetics, and the physical actions, bringing more consistent and vivid results. In an internal assessment, the latest 1.6 model has seen a remarkable 195%enhancement in its image-to-video generation capabilities compared to the previous 1.5 model. This evaluation mainly focuses on dimensions such as the model’s prompt adherence, dynamics, and image quality. KLING AI 1.6 upgrade focuses on enhancing prompt adherence. It now demonstrates an outstanding understanding of prompts, translating them into more consistent and vivid video outputs. Whether it’s a complex narrative or a specific visual concept, the model can render it with greater precision and details. Moreover, the visual aesthetics have a substantial improvement. The generated videos possess a captivating level of fidelity, with enhanced color palettes, sharper details, and more natural scenes. This not only makes the videos more visually attractive but also boosts the overall quality. Prompt: The mechanical wolf slowly stands up, and its mechanical limbs spread out smoothly. The camera slowly moves up, and its blue eyes narrow slightly. The neon lights flicker in the background, full of a mysterious futuristic feeling. Also, to meet diverse user needs, KLING AI 1.6 offers two modes. The Standard Mode has a user-friendly interface for beginners to easily generate high-quality videos. The Professional Mode provides advanced customization options for experienced users who desire more control over the creative process. This dual-mode approach makes the model accessible to a wide range of users. A screenshot from a video generated under the Professional Mode of the 1.6 model Just less than a month ago, KLING AI released the 1.5 model with revolutionary features. The Motion Brush allows users paint on the video canvas to precisely define object or character movements, unlocking new creative potential. Also, the Camera Movements feature provided diverse angles and motions, enhancing visual storytelling and making videos more engaging and cinematic. As of December 2024, KLING AI has over 6 million users who have created more than 65 million videos and 175 million images. Related Items: A New Leap in Video Generation , KLING AI Releases its Latest 1.6 Model Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
Stock market today: Nasdaq hits a record as Wall Street drifts ahead of Federal Reserve's meetingNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted amid mixed trading Monday, ahead of this week’s upcoming meeting by the Federal Reserve that could set Wall Street’s direction into next year. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, coming off its first losing week in the last four . The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2% to a record, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was a laggard and fell 110 points, or 0.3%. Broadcom leaped 11.2% to help lead the S&P 500 for a second straight day after delivering a profit report last week that beat analysts’ expectations. The technology company is riding a wave of enthusiasm about its artificial-intelligence offerings in particular. The market’s main event, though, will arrive on Wednesday when the Federal Reserve will announce its last move on interest rates for the year. The widespread expectation is that it will cut its main rate for a third straight time, as it tries to boost the slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its target of 2%. The question is how much more it will cut rates next year, and Fed officials will release projections for where they see the federal funds rate ending 2025, along with other economic indicators, once their meeting concludes. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will also answer questions in a press conference following the meeting. For now, the general expectation among traders is that the Fed may cut a couple more times in 2025, according to data from CME Group. But such expectations have been shrinking following reports suggesting inflation may be tougher to get all the way down to 2% from here. Besides last month’s slight acceleration in inflation, another worry is that President-elect Donald Trump’s preferences for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation down the line. Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle has dropped his earlier forecast of a cut by the Fed in January, for example. Beyond the possibility of tariffs, he said Fed officials may also want to slow their cuts because of uncertainty about exactly how low rates need to go so that they no longer press the brakes on the economy. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times so far this year and is heading for one of its best years of the millennium . The economy has held up better than many feared, continuing to grow even after the Fed hiked the federal funds rate to a two-decade high in hopes of grinding down on inflation, which topped 9% two summers ago. On Wall Street, MicroStrategy jumped as much as 7% during the day as it continues to benefit from the surging price for bitcoin , which set another all-time high. But its stock ended the day down by les than 0.1% after bitcoin’s price pulled back below $106,000 after setting a record above $107,700, according to CoinDesk. The software company has been building its hoard of the cryptocurrency, and its stock price has more than sextupled this year. It will also soon join the Nasdaq 100 index. Bitcoin’s price has catapulted from roughly $44,000 at the start of the year, riding a recent wave of enthusiasm that Trump will create a system that’s more favorable to digital currencies . Honeywell rose 3.7% after saying it’s still considering a spin-off or sale of its aerospace business, as part of a review of its overall business. It said it plans to give an update with the release of its fourth-quarter results. They helped offset a drop for Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of the world’s move into AI. Its stock fell 1.7%. Because it’s grown so massive, with a total value topping $3 trillion, it was the single heaviest weight on the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 22.99 points to 6,074.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 110.58 to 43,717.48, and the Nasdaq composite rose 247.17 to 20,173.89. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.39% from 4.40% late Friday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, eased to 4.24% from 4.25%. In stock markets abroad, indexes fell modestly across much of Europe and Asia. They sank 0.9% in Hong Kong and 0.2% in Shanghai after China reported lackluster economic indicators for November despite attempts to strengthen the world’s second-largest economy. South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% as law enforcement authorities pushed to summon impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree, and the Constitutional Court met to discuss whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
Reuters was among a small group of reporters given access to the wreckage of the missile on Sunday. Reporters were asked not disclose the exact location of the site for security reasons. The scorched and crumbled pieces of debris were laid out in a hanger at a facility which conducts weapons forensics. Ukrainian experts study such debris to gain insight into Russian military supply chains, production and how to develop countermeasures. Russia has dubbed the missile the Oreshnik (Hazel Tree) and said it is impossible to intercept it with air defences. Ukraine has said the weapon reached a top speed of more than 13,000km/h (8,000mph) on its way towards Dnipro on Thursday. Intermediate-range ballistic missiles have a range of up to 5,500km. Two state experts provided cautious assessments, saying only that the weapon was ballistic, flew on a ballistic trajectory and that the strike resulted in civilian damage. They declined to take questions or give their surnames. "These are preliminary conclusions and to say something more concrete requires time and careful study of the remains of the missile," said Ivan, one of the experts. "This is the first time that such remnants of such a missile have been discovered on the territory of Ukraine," said Oleh, an investigator for the Security Service of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called the use of the weapon a severe escalation and urged his allies to respond. Ukraine originally said the weapon appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Kremlin later said it fired a new intermediate-range missile at a Ukrainian military target in Dnipro in response to Kyiv striking Russia with US and British made missiles for the first time after the US granted its approval. The US military has said the missile’s design is based on the longer-range RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The new missile was experimental and Russia likely possessed only a handful of them, they have said. Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Friday Moscow would keep testing the missile in combat and had a stock ready to use. Much remains unclear for now, including the extent of the damage caused by the missile. Ukraine seldom discloses damage to military targets, fearing such information would help Moscow. Zelensky said on Sunday that Russian forces over the past week had struck Ukraine with more than 800 guided aerial bombs, about 460 attack drones and more than 20 missiles. In Russia, the defence ministry said 34 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight into Sunday in four regions of western Russia, including Kursk, Lipetsk, Belgorod and one over the Oryol region. Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly three-year-old war, even after it fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile last week. According to Russian state news agency Interfax, the legislation allows those signing up for a one-year contract to write off bad debts of up to 10 million roubles (€92,000). The law applies to debts for which a court order for collection was issued and enforcement proceedings had commenced before December 1st this year, and it also applies to the spouses of recruits. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives, in some cases several times the average salary, to those willing to fight in Ukraine. The strategy has allowed the military to boost its ranks in the conflict zone while avoiding another mobilisation order. A “partial mobilisation” in September 2022 sparked an exodus of tens of thousands of Russian men who fled the country to avoid enlistment. – Reuters, additional reporting Associated PressIBM continues gains for seven straight sessions
NEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks pulled Wall Street to another record amid a mixed Monday of trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% from its to post a record for the 54th time this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 128 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. Super Micro Computer, a stock that’s been on an AI-driven roller coaster, soared 28.7% to lead the market. Following allegations of misconduct and the , the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board. It also said that it doesn’t expect to restate its past financials and that it will find a new chief financial officer, appoint a general counsel and make other moves to strengthen its governance. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up the market. Gains of 1.8% for Microsoft and 3.2% for Meta Platforms were the two strongest forces pushing upward on the S&P 500. Intel was another propellant during the morning, but it lost an early gain to fall 0.5% after the chip company said and stepped down from the board. Intel is looking for Gelsinger’s replacement, and its chair said it’s “committed to restoring investor confidence.” Intel recently to Nvidia, which has skyrocketed in Wall Street’s frenzy around AI. Stellantis, meanwhile, skidded following the . Carlos Tavares steps down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep, Citroën and Ram, amid an ongoing and an inventory backlog at dealerships. The world’s fourth-largest automaker’s stock fell 6.3% in Milan. The majority of stocks in the S&P 500 likewise fell, including California utility PG&E. It dropped 5% after saying it would sell $2.4 billion of stock and preferred shares to raise cash. Retailers were mixed amid what’s expected to be the best on record and coming off . Target, which recently gave a , fell 1.2%. , which gave a more optimistic forecast, rose 0.2%. Amazon, which looks to benefit from online sales from Cyber Monday, climbed 1.4%. All told, the S&P 500 added 14.77 points to 6,047.15. The Dow fell 128.65 to 44,782.00, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 185.78 to 19,403.95. The stock market largely took latest threat on tariffs in stride. The president-elect on Saturday threatened against a group of developing economies if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. Trump said he wants the group, headlined by Brazil, Russia, India and China, to promise it won’t create a new currency or otherwise try to undercut the U.S. dollar. The dollar has long been the currency of choice for global trade. Speculation has also been around a long time that other currencies could knock it off its mantle, but no contender has come close. The U.S. dollar’s value rose Monday against several other currencies, but one of its strongest moves likely had less to do with the tariff threats. The euro fell amid a political battle in Paris . The euro sank 0.7% against the U.S. dollar and broke below $1.05. In the bond market, Treasury yields gave up early gains to hold relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed above 4.23% during the morning before falling back to 4.19%. That was just above its level of 4.18% late Friday. A report in the morning showed the U.S. manufacturing sector contracted again last month, but not by as much as economists expected. This upcoming week will bring several big updates on the job market, including the October job openings report, weekly unemployment benefits data and the all-important November jobs report. They could steer the next moves for which recently began to give support to the economy. Economists expect Friday’s headliner report to show U.S. employers accelerated their hiring in November, coming off that was hampered by damaging hurricanes and strikes. “We now find ourselves in the middle of this Goldilocks zone, where economic health supports earnings growth while remaining weak enough to justify potential Fed rate cuts,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide. In financial markets abroad, Chinese stocks led gains worldwide as monthly surveys showed improving conditions for manufacturing, partly driven by a surge in orders ahead of Trump’s inauguration next month. Both official and private sector surveys of factory managers showed strong new orders and export orders, possibly partly linked to efforts by importers in the U.S. to beat potential tariff hikes by once he takes office. Indexes rose 0.7% in Hong Kong and 1.1% in Shanghai.
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC announced today that Marc Cohen has been promoted to managing director, Business Strategy and Innovation, and has joined the LPL Financial Management Committee. In this role, Marc will continue to lead the development of the firm's corporate strategy and expand his responsibilities to include leading business line and affiliation strategy for independent advisors, large enterprises and institutional channels. In addition, Cohen now leads the company's business services offerings and innovation lab for emerging solutions. "Marc is an entrepreneur by nature whose innovative thinking has helped reimagine the strategic evolution of our firm, including how advisors and institutions scale their businesses with LPL as their partner,” said LPL Financial CEO Rich Steinmeier. "Respected for his stewardship of independence in the advisor-mediated marketplace, Marc's expertise elevates the experiences we bring to our clients in every stage of their business and strengthens LPL's leadership in wealth management through differentiated solutions and innovative strategies.” From serving as an architect of many of the highest profile wirehouse breakaways in the industry, to supporting their journey as business owners through strategy development, evolving operational and compliance requirements, succession planning and exit strategies, Cohen has helped countless successful advisors become successful entrepreneurs. "My commitment to this industry and to LPL is grounded in the rewarding work of guiding advisors towards building thriving businesses to achieve their personal definitions of success,” said Cohen. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue scaling our strategies and exploring the innovative ways that LPL can better serve our clients to help them embrace their own entrepreneurial opportunities.” Cohen joined LPL in 2018 to help lead the firm's development of new advisor affiliation models, expanding LPL's attractiveness to wirehouse breakaways and RIAs. From there, his role evolved to run corporate strategy and further develop creative and innovative ways for LPL to partner with advisors throughout their lifecycle, including the firm's Liquidity & Succession offering. About LPL Financial LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports more than 28,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.7 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 6 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com . Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC ("LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and its affiliated companies provide financial services only from the United States. Throughout this communication, the terms "financial advisors” and "advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the " Investor Relations ” or " Press Releases” section of our website. Media Contact: [email protected] (402) 740-2047Japanese companies are ramping up policies and protections against a rise in rude and abusive customer behaviour, with Narita International Airport becoming the first in the country to adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy. The new rule, which includes measures against verbal abuse, threats, and discrimination, reflects growing concerns in Japan’s service sector, where staff face more frequent confrontations from frustrated customers. Other businesses and even local governments are taking action. Last month, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government passed an ordinance aimed at safeguarding service industry workers from rising levels of abuse and harassment. A survey by the UA Zensen Union showed that nearly 47% of service workers in Japan had experienced some form of harassment from customers over the past two years, with some requiring counselling to cope. A new airport employee described how common these incidents are becoming, citing a recent case where a passenger reacted aggressively over excess baggage fees. “He was banging on the counter and yelling, refusing to pay,” she said. Airlines like All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have also announced new guidelines that explicitly ban abusive language, threats, and unreasonable demands on their staff. Other companies are turning to technology to help their workers handle customer outbursts. Telecommunications giant Softbank, for instance, has created an AI-powered tool to alter the voices of angry callers, making them sound calm on the line. Many convenience stores have introduced staff training and signs warning that misbehaviour will not be tolerated. While Japan is known for high standards of customer service, Roy Larke, a retail expert, explains that those standards also set high expectations for customer decorum. “This breakdown of norms can be shocking, as both staff and customers expect polite interactions,” he said. Morinosuke Kawaguchi, a technology analyst, suggests that the increase in recorded incidents on social media makes the trend appear more widespread than it may be, though some companies say aggression is clearly growing.
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Central Okanagan politicians tour local aerospace, tech industryNORWELL, Mass. and RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DIH Holding US, Inc. ("DIH")(NASDAQ:DHAI), a global provider of advanced robotic devices used in rehabilitation, which incorporate visual stimulation in an interactive manner to enable clinical research and intensive functional rehabilitation and training in patients with walking impairments, reduced balance and/or impaired arm and hand functions, today announced the designation of Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, as DIH Center of Excellence. By partnering with Sheltering Arms Institute, DIH continues to build a strong presence among top-tier healthcare providers dedicated to enhancing patient recovery journeys through innovation-driven care solutions. The DIH Center of Excellence program recognizes strategic partners that showcase best practices in rehabilitation robotics while demonstrating how DIH therapy solutions contribute to successful patient outcomes. These Centers also contribute to the development of advanced rehabilitation technologies. Located in Richmond, Virginia, Sheltering Arms Institute has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology with comprehensive physical rehabilitative care. Known for its dedication to helping patients regain mobility and independence through evidence-based care, the Institute employs DIH's Total Solution, including Erigo®Pro, Lokomat®Pro, Andago V2.0®, RYSEN, C-Mill VR+, Armeo®Power and Armeo®Spring. This combination allows Sheltering Arms Institute to provide highly personalized care plans that cater to individual patient needs and ability levels. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise demonstrated by Sheltering Arms Institute," said Dr. Patrick Bruno, Chief Market Officer at DIH. "Their commitment to integrating advanced technology into their rehabilitation programs sets a benchmark for excellence that aligns with our mission to advance patient care. The newly appointed Center of Excellence will play a pivotal role in the ongoing development and implementation of advanced rehabilitation technologies in North America." Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute, commented on the recognition, "Being designated as a DIH Center of Excellence reaffirms our commitment to integrating innovative technology into our physical rehabilitation programs. Our collaboration with DIH will further empower us to deliver superior care and propel our vision to reinvent rehabilitation for life beyond limits, helping our patients achieve their best outcomes." About DIH Holding US, Inc. DIH stands for the vision to "Deliver Inspiration & Health” to improve the daily lives of millions of people with disabilities and functional impairments through providing devices and solutions enabling intensive rehabilitation. DIH is a global provider of advanced robotic devices used in physical rehabilitation, which incorporate visual stimulation in an interactive manner to enable clinical research and intensive functional rehabilitation and training in patients with walking impairments, reduced balance and/or impaired arm and hand functions. Built through the mergers of global-leading niche technology providers, DIH is a transformative rehabilitation solutions provider and consolidator of a largely fragmented and manual-labor-driven industry. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms Institute, located in Richmond, Virginia, is non-profit, state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that has become synonymous with excellence in patient-centered care. Ranked the #1 physical rehabilitation hospital in Virginia and #19 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. With a focus on innovative treatment methodologies and cutting-edge technology, the Institute offers comprehensive rehabilitative services aimed at restoring function and improving quality of life for individuals recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological and orthopedic conditions. For more information, please visit ShelteringArmsInstitute.com. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements which are not historical facts, which are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include certain statements made with respect to the business combination, the services offered by DIH and the markets in which it operates, and DIH's projected future results. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe,” "project,” "expect,” "anticipate,” "estimate,” "intend,” "strategy,” "future,” "opportunity,” "plan,” "may,” "should,” "will,” "would,” "will be,” "will continue,” "will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions provided for illustrative purposes only, and projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic, political and business conditions; the ability of DIH to achieve its projected revenue, the failure of DIH realize the anticipated benefits of the recently-completed business combination and access to sources of additional debt or equity capital if needed. While DIH may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, DIH specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. Investor Contact Greg Chodaczek [email protected]
